Boston Acoustics Duo-i plus review

The Duo-i Plus offers additional connectivity options in the form of two aux-in ports. The first, located on the front of the unit, will take any 1/8-inch headphone adapter for use with something like another digital media device. The second port is located on the device's rear and uses standard RCA analog plugs (red and white). There's also a headphone jack next on the front panel. There's room to bring your own subwoofer via the RCA ports in back.

Included with the Duo-i Plus is a slim remote control. While you can't navigate through your iPod with it, you can control every function the device has to offer. Additionally, we liked the remote's magnetized bottom that attaches to the unit's metallic front grilles for easy storage when not in use.

The magnetized remote will keep you from misplacing it.

In terms of overall sound quality, we were quite impressed with the oomph that the Duo-i Plus delivered. It handled every source we threw at it with ease. From Green Day to Amy Winehouse, Dr. Dre to The Police, the Duo-i Plus always packed a heavy punch and never sounded dull or flat; even radio reception sounded great. We should also note that we slightly tweaked the unit's bass and treble settings, which were very effective. We were even able to push the Duo-i Plus to the loudest it could physically go without our source music distorting--the dual 3.5-inch stereo speakers worked wonders, delivering a far better and meatier sound than you get from smaller, lighter iPod speakers. We could even see it being used on an outdoor patio or deck because of the sheer amount of sound it's able to output without distorting. (Of course, you'll need to be close to an electrical outlet since the Duo-i Plus doesn't have a battery option.)

Overall, we're glad Boston Acoustics decided to go with an all-in-one in terms of its iPod and AM/FM radio models. The Duo-i Plus combines the functionality of those models but is a bit pricey. Retailing for around $250 online, we'd love to see the entire package offered for below $200. That said, we'd recommend the Duo-i Plus over the iHome H9--its higher price will be worth it for listeners looking for better sound quality and more connectivity options. And if iPod playback isn't your thing, you can check out the Boston Acoustics Horizon Duo, which is essentially the Plus, but without the iPod dock.